Sterling Heights,Troy

Car owners prep vehicles for Elegance

By Eric Czarnik
C & G Staff Writer

Fred Young, 70, of Sterling Heights, shows off his 2013 Overall Division First Place Award from the 2013 Traverse City Porsche Parade, which he won for displaying his 2002 Porsche 911.

STERLING HEIGHTS/TROY — Hundreds of valuable vehicles will roll their way into car enthusiasts’ hearts July 28 during the 35th annual Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s in Plymouth.

During the event, viewers will see an estimated 300 classic, rare, historic and exotic cars, including “jet age” convertibles and some of the first electric cars. The cars will demonstrate the “genius of the automobile,” according to organizers.

Fred Young, 70, of Sterling Heights, plans to attend the show and take along his 2002 Porsche 911, which recently took first place at a Traverse City Porsche convention. The car will be displayed as part of a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911, he said.

Young called the invitation to the Concours d’Elegance a great honor because it is one of the premier car shows in Michigan.

“They have a great cross-section of cars that you’re not going to see every day,” he said. “Most of them are over 30 years old. You’re not going to see them driving down the street.”

As a member of a Porsche club for 22 years, Young said he has had plenty of chances to meet other Porsche owners and visit special tracks where the cars can be driven.

Young said a Porsche 944 was the first Porsche vehicle that he owned. He ordered his Porsche 911 from the factory in 2002 and added that he has exhibited it at five national conventions. He said the Porsche has 320 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, reaching a maximum speed as high as 177 mph.

John Sieffert, of Troy, said he plans to bring his white 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix to the event. He said the Grand Prix is one of 11 classic cars that he owns, adding that he bought it at an auction in 2011. “It’s been restored to its original condition,” he said.

Besides the vehicle’s sleek design, Sieffert said it also boasts some factory options that make it rare among its type, such as a 421 cubic-inch motor, tri-power carburetion and a four-speed transmission.

“That makes it pretty unique,” he said. “That makes it one of 436 with that configuration that year.”

The Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s will be open to the general public 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 28 at The Inn at St. John’s, 44045 Five Mile Road, in Plymouth.

General admission is $25 and includes a program book, free parking and shuttle service. Kids 12 and younger can enter for free with paid adult admission. Part of the event’s proceeds will benefit the College for Creative Studies, Leader Dogs for the Blind and Hospice of Michigan.